How to Choose a Compact Fire Pit! Recommended Fire Pits & Fire-Related Products

Why You Need a Fire Pit for Camping

A "campfire" isn't just for staying warm during the colder months—it can be enjoyed all year round, whether you're simply enjoying the flames, boiling water, or cooking.

And a “fire pit” is essential for building a campfire at a campground.

In recent years, not only have more campsites banned open fires, but an increasing number of local governments have also prohibited open fires in mountainous areas and along riverbanks.

As a result, fire pits have become an essential item for campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Fire pits come in a wide variety of designs, structures, and sizes—so many options that it can be hard to choose.

Many people are probably struggling with the thought, “I want to buy a fire pit, but I don’t know what criteria to use to choose one!”

Since camping requires many items besides a fire pit, it’s important that it be “compact and easy to carry.”

In this article, we’ll explain why you need a fire pit, along with key points for choosing one and our recommended products.

If you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use fire pit, please use this as a guide. We’ve also included information that will help those specifically looking for a fire pit suitable for solo use.

Reason 1: There are few campsites that allow open fires

The camping boom of recent years has led to a surge in the number of campers. As a result, more and more campsites are banning open fires.

Due to an increase in campers who leave their sites uncleaned, burn trash, or leave firewood with embers still smoldering, campgrounds have been forced to ban open fires to protect the landscape and ensure safety.

To avoid the panic of arriving at a campsite only to find that open fires are prohibited, be sure to bring a fire pit with you.

Reason 2: It reduces the risk of fire

If you leave an open fire unattended, fallen dry leaves can accumulate on top and cause a fire.

Even if you think you’ve extinguished the fire, embers or wood may still be smoldering inside, posing a fire risk unless the fire is completely put out.

Using a fire pit makes it easy and reliable to completely extinguish the fire, significantly reducing the risk of fire.

Reason 3: To protect the environment

When you build a campfire directly on the ground, the heat can transfer to the ground and kill insects and microorganisms on the surface.

It can also damage tree roots running beneath the ground where the fire is burning.

For nature-loving outdoor enthusiasts and campers, this is a situation to be avoided.

To help protect the environment at campsites, be sure to use a fire pit.

Tips for Choosing a Compact Fire Pit

While a fire pit is an essential item, there are many different types available, and you may find yourself unsure of how to choose one when it comes time to buy.

To avoid thinking “I made a mistake!” after buying one, here are some key points to check before purchasing.

Point 1: Prioritize portability

While we generally refer to them as “fire pits,” there are actually many different types.

• If you want to enjoy the spectacular flickering of the flames
• Want to savor campfire cooking
• Want to stay warm

—the optimal type varies depending on your purpose.

Ideally, you should choose a type that suits your specific purpose, but since you have to carry a lot of gear when camping, prioritizing “portability” is the best way to avoid disappointment.

For example, no matter how spectacular the flames may be, if a fire pit is large and heavy—making it difficult to carry and store—it will eventually become a burden, and you’ll find yourself reluctant to use it.

If you choose a model that packs down compactly, it’s easy to carry and you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come.

Point 2: We recommend “stainless steel” or “titanium” for the material

When choosing a fire pit, it’s also important to check the “material.” Generally, fire pits are primarily made of stainless steel, titanium, or steel (also known as iron).

Each has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, but if you prioritize “compactness” and “lightweight,” stainless steel or titanium is recommended.

－If you prioritize value for money, choose “stainless steel”

Stainless steel accounts for 80–90% of commercially available fire pits. It is resistant to rust and heat, and does not easily deform.

It’s also easy to maintain and reasonably priced. While many models feature sleek, stylish designs, they can feel heavier compared to titanium.

－"Titanium" is lightweight and highly corrosion-resistant

Titanium is strong, highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and resistant to rust, and its light weight makes it easy to carry.

It’s ideal for those who want to keep their load as light as possible, such as for backpacking or mountaineering, but its high cost is a drawback.

Point 3: Products that are easy to assemble save time

Whether a fire pit can be set up quickly at the campsite is also a key consideration.

Since you need to set up tents and tarps to prepare your campsite, if the fire pit itself is difficult to set up or has a complex structure that takes time, it will be dark before you know it.

You’ll want to choose a “folding” or “knock-down” model that packs down compactly and is easy to set up.

－Folding Type

Folding models feature the fire pit and legs as a single unit, so you can set them up and take them down quickly by simply unfolding them like a folding chair.

Many models are small and highly portable, making them popular among solo campers. However, some inexpensive models have unstable legs, so they may tip over depending on when you add firewood.

Be sure to choose a product with sturdy legs that provides good stability.

－Assembly-Type

This type consists of “multiple metal panels” that you assemble to form the fire pit.

Some stylish designs feature laser-cut patterns on the panels, allowing you to enjoy the view of the flames.

Unlike foldable models, these don’t set up instantly and take a bit of time to assemble, but the advantage is that they can be completely disassembled and flattened for packing, making them highly portable.

Since you’ll be taking it apart during breakdown, be careful not to lose any parts.

Point 4: You can enjoy cooking if the product comes with a trivet or grill grate

Fire pits that come with a trivet and grill are a bit bulky, but they allow you to boil water and enjoy cooking.

Rather than having to search for these items separately after purchasing the fire pit, choosing a model that includes them from the start or offers them as an option means you won’t have to worry about whether they’ll fit the fire pit’s size.

Point 5: A design you like will lift your spirits

Whether you’re enjoying the changing flames or watching your food cook, a fire pit is a camping item you’ll spend a lot of time simply gazing at.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list to several fire pits that meet criteria like being lightweight, compact, and easy to use, choosing a design that suits your personal taste will further enhance your camping experience.

TOKYO CRAFTS’ Compact Fire Pit

Here’s a fire pit from “TOKYO CRAFTS,” an original camping gear brand that blends functionality and design, which is particularly portable.

MacLight 2

The MacLight 2 is an extremely simple, modular fire pit. Assembly is easy and takes about 30 seconds once you get the hang of it.

When packing up, you can disassemble it and store it in the included pouch. It’s small enough to fit in a backpack, making it perfect for hiking or touring camps.

It’s a versatile model that lets you enjoy both styles: place the grill on top of the fire pit and set the trivet to cook over the fire, or remove the grill and stack large logs to create a spectacular blaze.

MacLight Titanium

The MacLight Titanium retains the same structure as the popular MacLight 2 but is made entirely of titanium. Not only is it compact, but it’s also surprisingly lightweight at just 425g—a significant reduction compared to the stainless steel MacLight 2 (920g)!

Only the rivets (connecting parts) are made of stainless steel; the rest is made entirely of titanium. Another appealing feature is that titanium changes color when exposed to a campfire, allowing you to enjoy the "titanium blue" hue.

Meba BBQ Grill

The Meba BBQ Grill can be used both as a charcoal grill and as a fire pit. Please use it in combination with the popular "COORDUNIT" from TOKYOCRAFTS, an expandable system product that includes legs and a tabletop.

To set it up, simply remove the COORDUNIT’s tabletop and place the Meba BBQ Grill on the X-shaped legs.

You can use the plate section for BBQ or remove the plate and firebed to use it as a fire pit. 

Products to Pair with the Fire Pit

Here are some items that are even more convenient when used with the fire pit.

Fire Pit Mat

The fire pit mat protects the ground from heat radiating from the fire pit and prevents sparks, wood chips, and charcoal fragments from falling to the ground and causing a fire to spread.

TOKYOCRAFTS’ fire pit mat features a unique octagonal design unlike any other.

With loops at each corner, you can place firewood on top and carry it by the loops, using it as a stylish firewood carrier.

The material is a double-layered, flame-resistant black fiberglass. Both sides are coated with silicone, which helps reduce the "prickly sensation" often associated with fiberglass sheets—a welcome feature.

Magna Blaster

The Magna Blaster is a bellows that comes in handy for starting a campfire or reigniting the flames when they start to die down.

Inspired by traditional bellows, this product features a thick body that allows you to force a large volume of air into the fire at once.

It also disassembles into three parts, making it easy to clean the interior and keep it hygienic.

Heat Reflector

The "Heat Reflector" protects your campfire flames on windy days.

Placing it next to the fire not only blocks the wind, but the metal plate attached to the fabric also reflects radiant heat (heat transmitted by infrared rays and other heat waves), effectively increasing the warmth.

The simple pyramid-shaped design, featuring black canvas and metal, is stylish.

Choose a fire pit that suits you—it’s a camping essential!

Campfires are a unique pleasure of camping. Since open fires are prohibited at most campsites these days, be sure to bring at least one with you.

Whether you want to admire the dynamic flames or enjoy cooking, deciding what you prioritize in a fire pit will help you avoid indecision.

Using the selection tips we’ve shared here, find a compact, portable fire pit that meets your needs. At the same time, be sure to check out our selection of large fire pits as well.